Salmonella isolated from feeds and feed ingredients during the period 1982-1988: animal and public health implications

The prevalence of Salmonella in southern Africa in farm feeds and by-products of animal origin during 1982-1988 was determined. Salmonella occurred in 5.18% of the farm feed samples and in 9.54% of the by-product samples. Different serovars were isolated, some only once. The findings underestimate the true prevalence of Salmonella in farm feeds and by-products, and is representative of only the most severely contaminated products. The epidemiology of salmonellosis is discussed with special reference to the importance of multiple resistance to antibiotics, the increase in the number of cases of salmonellosis worldwide and "Salmonella free" feeds and foods. More detailed research on the role of farm feeds in the epidemiology of salmonellosis is required. Efforts should be made to increase awareness of the problem, to improve quality management at farm feed production plants and to develop efficient systems to monitor the hygienic safety of feeds and foods.     

Filter measurements of stratospheric sulfate and chloride in the eruption plume of mount st. Helens

Five flights of the U-2 aircraft with a filter sampler aboard were flown in the Mount St. Helens debris from 19 May to 17 June 1980. Sulfate concentrations as large as 216 times the expected background were observed. The enhancements of acid chloride vapor were considerably smaller, suggesting an insignificant increase of background values of hydrogen chloride once the plume is well mixed throughout the lower stratosphere.